AN HOMAGE TO OUR VALUES AND THE CULTURAL EXPRESSION OF OUR ROOTS

 

On this occasion, we would like to present to you: 

Miguel Angel Guzman and his wife, Esmeralda. They are the owners of Piggly Wiggly and the Hacienda San Miguel. Three of Miguel’s children work with him, and in this way, they contribute to their family’s success. 

Miguel Angel Guzman, owner of Piggly Wiggly and other establishments in Beloit. Was born in Michoacan, Mexico and arrived in the United States at 15 years old. Miguel Angel has lived in the United States for more than 35 years. He arrived in Chicago in 1989 and later moved to Beloit, Wisconsin in 2014. He is bilingual. His maternal language is Spanish, although he did not have the opportunity to learn English in school, he began to learn English at 17 years old out of necessity and while working, reflecting how many immigrants learn the language during everyday life. 

The trajectory of Miguel Angel began in California, then he lived in Chicago before settling in Beloit. In 2006, Miguel Angel had the opportunity to work alongside the owner of Piggly Wiggly, an American supermarket chain present in the South and Midwest of the country. After a few years of working together, they established trust and the owner of Piggly Wiggly financed Piggly Wiggly in Beloit, Wisconsin to him. 

In Mexico, Miguel Angel’s family was dedicated to the meat and cattle raising business, and although the intention of Miguel Angel arriving in the United States was to continue with that business, Miguel Angel found an opportunity in the world of supermarkets. His business became a franchise because after buying his first supermarket, he purchased another one in Milwaukee. Moreover, his wife manages the ice cream shop Dulce Vida, and the restaurant Hacienda San Miguel, which are both located on Prairie Avenue in Beloit. 

Throughout his life, Miguel Angel faced a language barrier and discrimination, but in spite of these obstacles, he built solid relationships in the community and has had a successful career. He suggests for immigrants and youth to work hard, stay in school, have a career, and not give up in the face of difficulties. 

 

Written by Yocelin Romero, Beloit College student.